The sky glowed cherry
And the sun set pink
A backdrop for the inevitable
A clean slate for the promise, glowing in his eyes

In June, the grass was a green blanket
For muddy toes, dipped tentatively into cold water
Gooseflesh prickled and smiles uncontrived
Like tanned skin and freckles were all we'd ever known

His car smelled of stale gasoline
And dirty clothes
The blue upholstery caressed my bare legs and
Calmed my racing heart
Dark fingernail polish peeked through light hair
A beginning never seemed more idyllic

Lake water lapped at bare feet and
Sun-kissed eyes burned wildly between us
Green leaves swayed in the exhale of the summer sun
There was no denying what was growing inside

Young love, built on passion
And fearlessness
Beautiful, not often in the way things are.